'Speed camera has reduced N17 fatalities'

The Claremorris Fire Station opened its doors to the public on Saturday, October 18th, offering a glimpse behind the scenes at a working fire station. Locals gathered to watch live demonstrations, examine the brigade’s equipment, and learn more about how to prevent and respond to fires in the home. But while the flashing lights and hose reels grabbed attention, it was the people behind the uniform who left a lasting impression.

“We have 12 firefighters at this station now,” Seamus O’Brien, Station Officer in Claremorris, told the Western People. “They’re all retained firefighters, so they’re not full-time. We’re on a week on, week off call system. When you’re on, it’s 24-hour call, and the week you’re off you can come if it suits you.” 

Seamus described a growing demand on the brigade’s services. 

“We’ve had more call-outs than last year,” he said. 

One of the key changes, he explained, is a new protocol requiring two fire appliances to be dispatched to every road traffic accident. 

“It’s for safety,” he said. “You need a fire engine in a finned-off position, so no one gets knocked down by other traffic passing the accident.” 

Despite the increase in call-outs, Seamus noted that road traffic fatalities have decreased. 

“Last year we had 12. That was an exception. The year before was eight. This year it’s way less,” he said. “It’s probably due to the fixed speed camera installed locally on the N17. That has definitely slowed the traffic down,” he said.

The crew itself has grown, which Seamus sees as a positive development. 

“We used to always have a crew of nine. It’s gone up to 12 now, which is great.” 

Among the newer faces in the team is Piotr Romaniewicz, who has lived in Claremorris for 20 years. Originally from Poland, Piotr arrived in Ireland during the Celtic Tiger years.

“I was looking for a better life, for sure,” he said. “I have a family here now, I have my home, I have everything here now.” 

Piotr joined the fire service nearly two years ago and describes the experience as deeply fulfilling.

“I’m loving everything about the fire service,” he said. “There’s stuff in this kind of work where you see things that you cannot un-see anymore, but it’s also a job where you make a difference. You feel that you’re doing something important for everyone. It’s rewarding for the individual and for the community.” 

For Piotr, becoming a firefighter is also a way to give back.

“The town gave me a lot,” he said, “so it’s kind of giving back a little bit to everyone here as well.” 

 Piotr still has family in Poland. His mother, sisters, and brother all reside there but he sees his future firmly rooted in Mayo.

“My kids were born in Castlebar. We have a home here,” he said. “My family in Poland are very proud that I’m with the fire service, especially my mom. It’s who I am now.” 

Karen Judge, another recent addition to the crew, also spoke about her motivations for joining. A Claremorris native, she said: “I’ve always been interested in the fire service. I suppose it’s about duty, service.” 

Karen joined earlier this year and said her male colleagues had been welcoming. 

“They’ve been very good, very accommodating,” she said.

Her presence on the team marks a significant moment for the station. Jarlath Jennings, a senior firefighter, said having a female team member brings balance and practicality. 

“It’s always good to have people from both sides, naturally enough. If you go to an incident, it’s always good to have a female with you for certain different situations,” he said. “And she’s highly trained in first aid as well, so we’re glad to have her.” 

The open day served not just as a chance for the public to see how the brigade operates, but also as a way to connect the community with the people who serve it - people who might otherwise be anonymous behind the wheel of a fire engine or in a uniform at the scene of an accident.

Throughout the afternoon, children climbed into fire trucks, parents listened to safety advice, and onlookers watched controlled fire-fighting demonstrations with quiet admiration. While the tools and techniques on display were impressive, what came through most clearly was the deep sense of commitment shared by those in the service - whether born in Mayo or thousands of kilometres away.

Seamus O’Brien summed it up simply: “It’s a job where you have to be ready, always. When the call comes in, we go.”